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The Auburn football team will be a bit thinner in the quarterback room this offseason following a few transfer portal departures. The Tigers saw multiple passers opt to leave the program after the conclusion of the 2024 campaign.
Walker White was one of those signal callers, joining reserves Hank Brown and Holden Geriner. This week, he committed to a new school.
White will suit up for the Baylor Bears next season, he announced on Instagram. He should immediately factor into the QB1 competition, and he seems excited about the future.
White spoke with ESPN after that commitment. He raved of the coaching staff, specifically offensive coordinator and QB coach Jake Spavital. In the process, he threw some backhanded shade at Hugh Freeze and Co.
“I can’t wait to meet my new teammates and get to work in Coach Spavital’s offense. I’m also excited that there’s a clear plan for quarterback development.”
-Walker White via ESPN (@PeteThamel)
Many viewed the comment about quarterback development as a jab. Auburn certainly struggled under center in 2024. Starter Payton Thorne was inconsistent throughout the year and turnover prone.
He was benched after a four-interception performance against Cal, leading Hank Brown to take the reins briefly before he, too, was relegated to backup duty.
No matter who was in the lineup for the Tigers, the results were underwhelming. Auburn eventually finished the year at 5-7. Walker White’s concerns about quarterback development hold some weight.
Payton Thorne played two seasons with Hugh Freeze after transferring from Michigan State. His numbers with the Tigers dipped significantly following the transition.
With that being said, he did see improvement as a senior outside of that brief benching. Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough to propel the Tigers to a bowl game.
Now, Thorne is gone after exhausting his final season of eligibility. Three reserves have hopped in the portal. The roster is thin at quarterback for Coach Freeze and his offensive staff. He’ll now have to put those developmental skills to the test with a young passer.
Luckily, there will be no shortage of talent. Auburn secured commitments from four-star signal caller Deuce Knight and highly touted transfer Jackson Arnold. The Tigers will look to get the most out of their new quarterbacks in 2025.
Interestingly enough, Auburn will face Baylor in Week 1 of the ’25 season. Hugh Freeze has a chance to make his former player eat his words.